MLB Futures 2021 Final Predictions
The end of the regular season is always an odd time in the world of MLB betting. Though there are some playoff spots still up for grabs, the vast majority of single games don't much matter, making it difficult to maintain gambling interest in most of the schedule. But that doesn't mean it's time for a break.
On the contrary, in our experience, now's a great time to sneak in last-minute wagers on bigger-picture events. With this in mind, we'll be tying up loose ends for MLB futures 2021 with final picks for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and the pennant race.
Going this route allows us to predict winners in every category from both the American League and National League. And while some might prefer to look exclusively at World Series odds, tackling the two pennant races is actually just as important, since you need an AL and NL representative to play for the title. There will be plenty of time for World Series picks once the MLP playoffs are off and running.
For now, let's take a look at the latest MLB betting odds for the AL champion, courtesy of BetOnline:
| AL Champion |  |
|---|---|
| Houston Astros | +200 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +290 |
| Chicago White Sox | +310 |
| New York Yankees | +650 |
| Boston Red Sox | +1000 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +1500 |
| Seattle Mariners | +4000 |
And here are MLB future betting odds for the NL champion:
| NL Champion | |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +145 |
| San Francisco Giants | +290 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | +340 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1100 |
| Atlanta Braves | +600 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | +1000 |
MLB odds can still change this late in the season at all the top online sportsbooks, so make sure you're confirming these MLB futures before making any MLB picks.
2021 MLB Futures Predictions
Since we've already dropped AL and NL champion betting odds, we'll begin there. After that, we'll move on to picks for MVP and Rookie of the Year in the AL and NL, respectively.
American League Championship Prediction
Our initial pick of the New York Yankees (+650) isn't looking so hot. Their bats have chosen the wrong time to go cold.
The Toronto Blue Jays (+1500) loom as a nice sleeper. They lead MLB in on-base plus slugging percentage.
Ultimately, we're drawn to the favorite Houston Astros (+200). They are second in on-base plus slugging percentage while boasting a top-notch pitching staff.
OSB Prediction: Houston Astros (+200)
National League Championship Prediction
This is another situation in which our previous pick, the San Diego Padres, didn't age well. Their midseason collapse was so epic that they're off the board entirely.
Flirting with any team other than the Los Angeles Dodgers (+145) feels almost pointless at this stage. Their offense can sometimes lack power, but their pitching staff's collective 2.96 ERA is by far a league-best and built to sustain in the postseason.
The San Francisco Giants (+290) seem like the only viable alternative, and we're just not sold on the experience of their offense.
OSB Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers (+145)
AL Rookie of the Year Prediction
- Randy Arozarena (-180)
- Ryan Mountcastle (+450)
- Wander Franco (+700)
- Adolis Garcia (+800)
- Luis Garcia (+1500)
It's tough to pick against Randy Arozarena (-180) here. He finally played in enough games to qualify for the award after three years in The Show and has an absurd on-base percentage that eclipses .810.
Still, he has proven reckless running the bases at times. We won't fault anyone who wants to roll the dice on Ryan Mountcastle (+450) and his superior slugging percentage.
OSB Prediction: Randy Arozarena (-180)
NL Rookie of the Year Prediction
- Jonathan India (-1200)
- Trevor Rodgers (+750)
- Patrick Wisdom (+1500)
The finite field of NL Rookie of the Year contenders says it all: No one is beating Jonathan India (-1200).
At only 24, the Cincinnati Reds second baseman has hit 21 home runs, posted an on-base percentage of .840 and played Gold Glove caliber defense. Essentially, he's a vet in a rookie's body. He will win in a landslide.
OSB Prediction: Jonathan India (-1200)
AL MVP Prediction
- Shohei Ohtani (-4000)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+1200)
- Marcus Semien (+15000)
- Aaron Judge (+25000)
Listing other candidates beyond Shohei Ohtani (-4000) is almost insulting.
Sure, some have tried to make the case that because he was shut down as a pitcher and is only a designated hitter on offense that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+1200) actually deserves the award. That's bull.
Ohtani has done things no one in MLB history, not even Babe Ruth, could accomplish on both sides of the plate. He isn't just on pace to win AL Rookie of the Year. He's on track to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
OSB Prediction: Shohei Ohtani (-4000)
NL MVP Prediction
- Bryce Harper (-260)
- Juan Soto (+320)
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (+600)
- Paul Goldschmidt (+5000)
- Trea Turner (+10000)
- Max Muncy (+10000)
- Freddie Freeman (+20000)
- Austin Riley (+25000)
Don't let the extensive selection of names fool you. The NL MVP race is a dead heat between Bryce Harper (-260), Juan Soto (+320) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (+600).
Just a couple of weeks ago, we loved Tatis Jr. as a potential favorite with dark-horse odds. But the Padres' collapse makes him a tough pick.
It feels like most voters will gravitate toward Bryce Harper. He leads all MLB players in slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging percentage, and the Philadelphia Phillies are fringe contenders.
If we had our druthers, Juan Soto would win it all. He leads all players in on-base percentage and does more on defense in the outfield. Alas, we have to go with who we think will actually win. And that's Harper.
OSB Prediction: Bryce Harper (-260)
Check out this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all your MLB betting:
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